2016’s Last Funeral – the Killing of a Kashmiri Policeman

Abdul Karim a 40 year old police constable from Mawar area of Handwara was shot dead on 31st December 2016 by unknown gunmen. Karim was on his duty when he was fired upon. A huge number of local people attended his funeral. “this is an act of terrorism, whoever has killed him, has killed whole humanity,” says a relative of slain cop. The incidents of attacks on J&K Police has increased in the Kashmir valley during the recent past. Abdul Karim is survived by his wife, and four kids. A baby boy was born to Abdul Karim’s wife on 1st January 2017.

According to Jammu Kashmir Coalition of Civil Society (JKCCS), a prominent human rights body, in its report titled ‘Human Rights Review -2016’ said that a total of 383 people lost their lives in 2016 including 145 civilians, 138 militants and 100 armed forces personnel. After the killing of Burhan Wani, a mass uprising started in the Kashmir valley, resulting in death of more than 100 civilians while as more than 20 thousand civilians were injured in clashes between forces and people.